Picture this: You’re walking past the New York Stock Exchange last week, smirking at the flashing tickers. Then—boom—you spot random single dudes from across the city flashing their income, height, age, maybe even hairline, like they’re hot new IPOs in the dating market. And yes, it’s real. A24 hijacked the NYSE to promote their new rom?com Materialists by literally turning men into commodities 

So, what did people see on the big screens?
Men’s stats—age, income, height, even home?ownership—popping up live with a running “romantic value.” Literal love stocks. You know you’ve peaked when your dating life is literally traded next to Microsoft. 

Why on Earth would they do that?
Because Materialists is all about matchmakers treating love like Wall Street—evaluating partners like investments. And A24 said, “Let’s go full meta, fam.” 

What did real matchmakers think?
Mixed feelings.

• Some were like, “Yup, that ride or die swipe culture commodification? Dead-on.”

• Others rolled their eyes—Maria Avgitidis called it “cynical,” pointing out that her husband would’ve scored a big fat zero on that ticker because he’s, I dunno, charming but not a six figure 6’5 CEO.

The romantic twist
Budget bros and stat?obsessed clients create funny moments (like the guy wanting a baby mama under 30? Oof). But it’s the folks who trust vibes and emotional IQ who actually win in the end. Think less “Build-A-Bear checklist,” more “feelings > spreadsheets.” Eh, thanks, Liana Bell. 

What’s the OBC take?
If we wanted men with perfect stock ratings, we’d invest in index funds. But here’s the truth: swipe culture is exhausting, and emotionally?rich humans trump any  stats any day of the week.

So maybe focus less on your net worth ticker and more on your laugh-worthiness, life goals, and ability to riff on Taylor Swift trivia (essential relationship skill).

Final word
Men aren’t stocks. People aren’t commodities. And if your “romantic value” depends only on height, income, and age—it’s time you diversify…your emotional portfolio.